W123 240D year changes? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Wayfarer · #1 08-29-2009, 04:06 PM

Hi all. I'm searching for a suitable replacement for my wife's now deceased '92 300D turbo. That was a great car, but we have both had a soft spot for W123's as both of us have happily owned them in the past. Since I intend to do most maintenance myself, we are starting to lean toward a 240D.

My question is what year/s should I be looking for and is regarded as the best? After searching posts here, it appears there may have been some changes from 1977-1983, some good and some bad. Some of the changes I think were: an improved head design somewhere around 81, addition of EGR and possibly other emissions components in 82, improved rustproofing and underbody coating maybe in 82, and switch from horsehair to synthetic fibers for the seat cushions at some point unknown. I don't know if this list is complete or accurate.

So concluding from what I've gathered, '81 looks to be the best year as it incorporates the new head but before the addition of emissions components. Does anybody know if this is an accurate assessment? Are there any other significant changes that might change my analysis? I know I might be able to make some changes myself, but I'd really like to keep the car as original as possible.

Thanks!

t walgamuth · #2 08-29-2009, 04:14 PM

I have had at least a dozen 240s both 115 and 123. I like the 82 and 83 best. More refined and better rust proofing. Stick.

Wayfarer · #3 08-29-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I have had at least a dozen 240s both 115 and 123. I like the 82 and 83 best. More refined and better rust proofing. Stick.

Refined in what way? Can you be more specific, like were there any steering, suspension, or transmission changes?

So then better rustproofing started in 82. Do you know what more precisely what they did to improve it?

lietuviai · #4 08-29-2009, 05:06 PM

I know that there were also changes in the manual transmission gear ratios on the later models improving their off the line acceleration.

Scott98 · #5 08-29-2009, 08:50 PM

There also was a change from the loop style glow plugs to the pencil type - easy to spot. As a general rule, the last few years of a model run are always the best. I have an '82 and it is the easiest car in the world to work on. I love it.

Scott

Wayfarer · #6 08-30-2009, 12:11 AM

Am I correct that emissions & EGR started in '82 on the 240D? And the new head giving 5hp or so came in '81. If so, '81 would appear to be the optimal year, as long as there were no other significant improvements after that. An '81 would be year 5 out of a 7 year model run, so most improvements should be incorporated I would think. I agree that you are always better off buying a car near the end of its production run rather than toward the beginning.

JimmyL · #7 08-30-2009, 12:20 AM

Don't overthink this thing too much!!
There are a couple of biggies, both around 1980 and later. Pencil style glow plugs and the R4 compressor on the lower left portion of engine as opposed to the giant York on the top right.
Remember, if 67hp is the question, 72hp ain't the answer.....

tankowner · #8 08-30-2009, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

Remember, if 67hp is the question, 72hp ain't the answer.....

LOL. Nice, I like that one.

Wayfarer · #9 08-30-2009, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

Don't overthink this thing too much!!

Remember, if 67hp is the question, 72hp ain't the answer.....

Awesome!

Well, back to overthinking, this thread says the better rustproofing started in '81:

240D's different body style??

'81 looks like it's going to be my year.

Cyberbach · #10 08-30-2009, 01:54 AM

You might want to check into the differences in the tranny setup between 81 and 82. If I read correctly, the 1981 240D had a completely vacuum reliant transmission and can be a bear to set up correctly, where as the 82 was more refined? Mine is an 81 and it gave me fits until I finally got it set correctly.

t walgamuth · #11 08-30-2009, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayfarer

Refined in what way? Can you be more specific, like were there any steering, suspension, or transmission changes?

So then better rustproofing started in 82. Do you know what more precisely what they did to improve it?

The only thing that comes to mind is the delayed shut off on the inside front light.

There were other running changes along the way like electric window switch changes and seat belt changes too.

I don't know what they did to improve rustproofing I just know they seem to hold up better. No mechanical changes I am aware of in steering or suspension. There were different gear ratios along in there but I am not aware they make a lot of difference.

As for the extra five horsepower? pffft!

MB simply made improvements along the way and the cars kept getting a little better each year.

Find a nice clean one with the ac mounted down low and have fun!

If you find a 79 and 83 both for the same price and both in exactly the same condition (

) go for the newer one.

Good luck looking. They are pretty old cars now so the nice ones are getting pretty rare.

vahe · #12 08-30-2009, 09:09 AM

I have a 77 240D all manual, I had this car for about 26 years and love it.

But.

If I had to do it again I would start at 81 and up. The single major improvement is the A/C compressor, on older 240D’s they installed York, it is a monster and it drains what little power that the engine can produce. York is a Chrysler product very durable but is designed for big V8 engines.

Vahe

Wodnek · #13 08-30-2009, 10:07 AM

Please don't limit yourself to a certain year. Look for the one in the best condition you can find, and that you can afford.
my .02

leathermang · #14 08-30-2009, 01:30 PM

OK, Since I overthink EVERYTHING I am IN....
I would only get a stick 240d. Look at the threads concerning fixing any of these old auto transmissions and you understand that.
I would avoid the York for reasons noted.
I would BE SURE MY CAR HAD THE TYPE ONE AIR CONDITIONING. Not the vertical wheel on the dash... for the same reasons you would avoid the auto transmissions.

If you run across a five cylinder (non turbo ) five speed manual forget the 240 completely ..but still look for the type one AC...

toomany MBZ · #15 08-30-2009, 08:40 PM

Do some research on the HVAC unit, the older ones can be a nightmare.